Extreme Cold Causing Leaks

January 22, 2009

Due to the extreme temperatures, the DC Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) has experienced a large volume of calls regarding water leaks and water-related issues. Our crews have been working around the clock since the recent cold spell, to investigate leak complaints, low pressure and no water and to perform construction repairs. Our efforts to reduce the backlog are impacted by the on-going volume of new calls being reported every day.

WASA prioritizes leaks based on severity; factors such as customer safety and potential public space damage are considered when prioritizing work. Potential environmental impact is also assessed in the prioritization and repair process.

We apologize for any inconvenience and we appreciate your bringing your concerns to our attention.

Please let us know if the problem you reported has not been addressed. You may contact us by calling our fully staffed 24 hour Command Center at 202-612-3400.

Latest News

Photo of extended excavation site with trench boxes

The excavation around a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor has been extended and trench boxes installed to provide shoring and stability. This doubles the size of the excavated area, to connect the collapse site with a downstream access point to the Potomac Interceptor.

CEO David L. Gadis with HSEMA, EPA and USACE

DC Water crews are working around the clock to keep the Potomac Interceptor repair site safe as another storm approaches. Since February 8, there have been no overflows to the Potomac River, and efforts are underway to bolster pump capacity and manage stormwater runoff due to expected heavy rain and snow that could flood the pumping site and endanger pumping operations.

Graphic with details about the two community meetings.

DC Water will host two community meetings to provide a comprehensive update on the Potomac Interceptor response, current system status, and next steps in emergency repair and long-term rehabilitation ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of new bike pedestrian path and traffic detour
New Path for Capital Crescent Trail Opens at Georgetown Waterfront Park

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT
If you bike, drive, or walk through Georgetown, we’ve got changes starting this week around the Potomac River Tunnel construction on Water Street NW. The Capital Crescent Trail has a new temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park, open now for cyclists between 33rd and Potomac streets NW.

Latest Blog Post
A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
DC Water begins drilling in Potomac River to explore options to rehab underwater sewer line
When one of your major sewer lines runs through the Potomac River, a backhoe and trencher won't do. That's why we've got helicopters carrying a 14-ton drill and workers suspended midair over the Potomac.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
February 26, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. Eligible participants are residential customers who have had an outstanding balance for 60 days or greater and with an outstanding balance of $500 or more.